Today the Edmonton Oilers have confirmed that Mattias Ekholm has taken yet another step toward playing in the Western Conference Finals. Yesterday, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/mattias-ekholm-takes-a-major-step-forward-toward-a-return-in-the-conference-finals' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Mattias Ekholm returned to the ice for an optional skate</a> on the Edmonton Oilers day off. This was Ekholm's first time on the ice with the Oilers since his injury in April. To this point, the Oilers had indicated Ekholm will not return until at least Game 2 or 3 of the Western Conference Finals. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/br_openice/status/1923419239139950882'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> However, just three days later it seems that circumstances have changed as Ekholm has taken an incredible step forward returning to main practice. <h3>Mattias Ekholm Returns To Practice Ahead Of Game 1</h3> According to multiple reports, Ekholm returned and was a full participant in practice with the Oilers for the first time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/tonybrarotv/status/1924509029671567532'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/tsnryanrishaug/status/1924506872889147784'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/br_openice/status/1924512657278742984'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/derekvandiest/status/1924512281934909481'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Ekholm is one of the best two way defensemen in the NHL and would be a huge addition to the Edmonton Oilers lineup. With Ekholm returning to practice today it leaves the door open for him to potentially travel with the Oilers to Dallas for the first 2 games of the series. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/sportsnetspec/status/1924513296360914959'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> The Oilers do need to be careful to not rush him back before he is ready or they risk further injuring him and losing him for later in the series and the playoffs. Once practice ends head coach Kris Knoblauch's press conference will be the next opportunity for fans and the media to learn what is next for Mattias Ekholm. As more reports surface regarding Ekholm's injury status we will pass the latest details along to you.